Deepening our Sense of Place, Madrona School, Bainbridge Island

Yesterday we had a teacher in-service day. The Madrona School faculty met at the Suquamish Museum for a tour. Then we walked to the graveyard to visit the burial site of Chief Seattle, to the Veterans' Memorial where we admired house posts carved in honor of tribal leaders and of those who fought for the U.S. in foreign wars, and finally ended our walk at the Suquamish Longhouse and canoe shed, a community center for tribal activities. Our goal was to gain a greater understanding of the land that we inhabit and of the people who have lived here since the beginning of time.

The Suquamish held over thirty villages around the Salish Sea in an area extending from Whidbey Island down to Olalla, from Seattle over to the Hood Canal. They had many summer residences on Bainbridge Island. Food was so plentiful that there was no need to travel far to hunt or to cultivate the land. They had time to create beautiful tools, clothing and shelter. They carved designs in their spoons, bowls, oars and many other necessary items. They wove and dyed spectacular blankets and clothing out of animal hair and plant matter. They wove intricate baskets out of cedar and other organic matter. They danced, sang, created music, and played games. Their knowledge and understanding of their natural surroundings was exhibited by their sustainable practices of fishing and gathering.

After the first European contact, life for the Suqaumish people rapidly changed. They were confined to the reservation. They were prevented from using most of the land they had inhabited for thousands of years. It was illegal to speak their native language, to practice their spirtuality, and to hold ceremonies. They were forced out of their communal living situations and into single family houses. Their children were sent away to Catholic boarding schools. It wasn't until 1978 that the laws designed to destroy their ancient culture were abolished.

Today the language of the Suquamish people is being revived. The ceremonies and traditions are returning. The youth are embracing their native culture. I recognize and honor the people who are native to the land on which I live, and have lived most of my life.

Sincerely, Jocelyn Waite
Head of School